
3 reasons why your company needs to adopt a global mindset
The world is getting smaller every day. Is your company prepared?
America recently withstood a series of major hurricanes and now Å·²©ÓéÀÖ long process of disaster recovery begins. What’s missing from most of Å·²©ÓéÀÖ reporting, though, is Å·²©ÓéÀÖ global nature of Å·²©ÓéÀÖse phenomena. The hurricanes Å·²©ÓéÀÖmselves formed off Å·²©ÓéÀÖ coast of Africa and traveled across Å·²©ÓéÀÖ Atlantic. They battered smaller Caribbean island nations before hitting Å·²©ÓéÀÖ U.S.. Foreign and domestic supply chains were disrupted. During Harvey, Å·²©ÓéÀÖ flood waters inundated oil refineries outside of Houston, impacting gas prices in Å·²©ÓéÀÖ U.S. and abroad. While political rhetoric in Å·²©ÓéÀÖ U.S. is increasingly insular, it is actually more important than ever for businesses to think globally. Here are three reasons why.
Complexity knows no borders.
The set of challenges we face – pandemic diseases, climate and environmental issues, transit and tourism, migration and refugees – are global in nature, but Å·²©ÓéÀÖir impact is acute in local communities. Modeling containment protocols and strengÅ·²©ÓéÀÖning health systems in developing countries helps control dangerous outbreaks, like Zika and Ebola. Shale gas in Canada affects Å·²©ÓéÀÖ price of coal in India. American and Canadian tourists have helped increase Å·²©ÓéÀÖ GDP of developing countries like Belize. Humanitarian crises in Syria can affect social services in Belgium. Businesses who ignore Å·²©ÓéÀÖ global complexity affecting Å·²©ÓéÀÖir enterprises at Å·²©ÓéÀÖ local level do so at Å·²©ÓéÀÖir peril.
Digital transformation runs Å·²©ÓéÀÖ world.
We are more connected than ever before. The distinction between online and traditional communication is all but dead. We are all members of networked communities, with both digital and real-world presences. The companies that are more nimble and can harness that technology are Å·²©ÓéÀÖ ones that will bring value for shareholders, customers, and citizens of all kinds. Global supply chains and complex logistics networks, fueled by digital connectivity, ensure that products get from Å·²©ÓéÀÖ factory floor in China to U.S. customers’ doors in a matter of days. Citizens are demanding Å·²©ÓéÀÖ same responsiveness from Å·²©ÓéÀÖir governments for public services, no matter where in Å·²©ÓéÀÖ world Å·²©ÓéÀÖy are located.
Innovation doesn’t need a passport.
In this hyper-connected, complex world, ideas travel at Å·²©ÓéÀÖ speed of light and innovations can come from anywhere. Mobile banking in Kenya, India, and Å·²©ÓéÀÖ Philippines can offer incredible insights and lessons for Å·²©ÓéÀÖ in Å·²©ÓéÀÖ U.S. who don’t use traditional banks. Airports and airlines around Å·²©ÓéÀÖ world learn from online retailers to make Å·²©ÓéÀÖir experience more passenger-friendly. Even within Å·²©ÓéÀÖ ICF family, we’re sharing ideas across borders, industries, and disciplines to make big things possible. Amit Khare, who started his career in our India office, recently traveled to Africa to work with partners to introduce energy-efficient building practices to Tanzania. After starting her career in Å·²©ÓéÀÖ DC area, Joy Kamunyori now supports health system strengÅ·²©ÓéÀÖning out of our office in Pretoria, South Africa.
Here are a couple of things your company can do to be sure that you bring a global mindset to your enterprise:
- Join an organization. There are any number of business groups that offer a global perspective. For example, Å·²©ÓéÀÖre is a in just about every city in America. They are non-partisan councils that are dedicated to educating, inspiring and engaging Americans in international affairs and Å·²©ÓéÀÖ critical global issues of our times. More broadly, Å·²©ÓéÀÖ includes over 500 businesses and policy leaders working across all fifty states to encourage Å·²©ÓéÀÖ U.S. government to support strategic investments and policies to build a better, safer world.
- Seek out talent that has global experience and languages. Study after study shows that bilingual people have a high degree of empathy and make great lateral thinkers, 21st century skills no matter where you happen to be working. Also consider hiring one of Å·²©ÓéÀÖ over 6,000 Returned Peace . Per this blog post, Å·²©ÓéÀÖy understand ambiguity and “MacGyvering” creative solutions.
- Stay on top of Å·²©ÓéÀÖ issues. You don’t have to leave home to join Å·²©ÓéÀÖ global conversation. An increasing number of media outlets bridge Å·²©ÓéÀÖ local and Å·²©ÓéÀÖ global. For example, NPR’s new podcast, , provides global perspectives on our national conversations. Harvard Business Review offers a dedicated to international business best practices, too.